In a move to address mutual concerns about China's military activities, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are set to introduce a plan aimed at reconfiguring the U.S. military command in Japan. This initiative, as reported by the Financial Times, is designed to bolster coordination in operational planning and joint military exercises between the two nations.
The announcement of the plan is scheduled to take place during a formal event at the White House on April 10, where President Biden will host Prime Minister Kishida. The plan signifies Japan's crucial role as a close ally in the U.S. strategy towards addressing security challenges in the Asian region, particularly related to China and North Korea. The impending announcement comes on the heels of Japan's commitment to increase its defense spending and acquire weapons capable of targeting ships or land-based objectives up to 1,000 km away.
The strengthening of military ties between the U.S. and Japan has garnered attention, with Washington supporting Japan's military expansion efforts. In light of China's growing military capabilities, Japan has expressed concerns about regional security and has taken steps such as appointing a government official as a de facto defense attache in Taiwan, a move that has drawn criticism from China. Additionally, Japan's diplomatic actions, like congratulating Taiwan's new president-elect, have further strained its relations with China, despite not having official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. These developments underscore the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the Asia-Pacific region.